Card Number: 435, female, white, single, 9 months in public school in 1914, could read, could write, number of years in Iowa: 12, Myrtle Z. Walker, age 12, Louisa County, post office address: Morning Sun, Morning Sun Township, extent of education in the common schools: 7, birth place: Iowa, did not own home or farm, father's birthplace: Iowa, mother's birthplace: Iowa, signed by assessor: J. B. Owens

Myrtle Dotson, wife, female, white, age 22, married, number of years in the U.S.: 22, number of years in Iowa: 22, attended rural school, state highest grade (1-8): 5, could read, could write, place of birth: Iowa, name of father: Sam Walker, father's birthplace: Iowa, father's age at last birthday: 56, name of mother: Hattie Moyers, mother's birthplace: Iowa, place of marriage of parents: Iowa, occupation involved with domestic/personal services, church affiliation: Protestant

Line Number: 54; Name: Myrtle Z. Dotson; Relation: Wife-H; Sex: Female; Color or Race: White; Age at Last Birthday: 26; Marital Condition: Married; Age at First Marriage: 19; School or College Since September 1, 1929: No; Could Read and Write: Yes; Where Born: Iowa; Where Father Was Born: Iowa; Where Mother Was Born: Iowa; State or M. T. Code: 65; Whether Able to Speak English: Yes; Trade, Profession: None

Morning Sun, Iowa, September 14. - There were 79 present at the picnic held at Locust Grove park Saturday in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Mary L. Dotson, Miss Iva Dotson and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mullen of Washington, D. C. The dinner was served cafeteria style at noon. Following the dinner the men pitched horseshoes and the women enjoyed the social hours. The following were present from a distance: Mr. and Mrs. Ed Moyers and children of Kingston, Mrs. Theodore Dotson and children and Miss Leota Walker of New London, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Dotson and children and Miss Hattie Dotson of Wapello.

96 Present at Dotson PicnicAn article reporting on the family picnic of the Dotson family held in September 1931 in Locust Grove Park, Morning Sun, Iowa.

Leota Walker, Vera Walker, and Mrs. Myrtle Dotson entertained at a miscellaneous shower on August 6 for Elaine Dotson, recent bride of Max Dotson of New London. The evening was spent socially, with 33 guests being served at the New London Hall. The bride received many lovely gifts.

Selected:
The one we love has left us,
But we need shed no tear;
She is gone from earthly labor
She is gone from earthly fear.
And we, too, will someday meet her,
In heaven's home on high;
Where we again will greet her,
And love is ever nigh.
She goes to prepare a place for us,
Upon the Golden Sands,
Where all is calm and peaceful,
In fair and cloudless lands.

Sam and Hattie moved to Abingdon from Iowa. Sam worked for the railroad there. They apparently had returned to Newport, Iowa, by December 1899, when Albert "Ross" Walker was born. Acdording to the 1895 Iowa state census, they were living in Louisa County, Iowa, in 1895, so they must have moved to Illinois in about 1896.

Samuel Nathaniel and Hattie Mae "Harriet" (Moyers) Walker and Their First Ten ChildrenSam and Harriet Walker had eleven children. Hattie died not long after the birth of their last child, Bill Walker (William David). This photograph was taken in 1915, after the birth of their daughter, Ruth. In the back row, left to right, standing, were: Maude Mae, George Prcy, Zella "Myrtle," Thomas Clifford "Cliff," and Paul Moyers Walker. Seated, left to right: Albert Ross, Samuel Nathaniel Hattie Mae (Moyers), and Elsie Ella Walker. Children in the front were: Hattie "Leota, Samuel Clinton "Sam," and Ruth Rebecca Walker.

A Map of the Area With the "Walker Homestead" in Louisa County, IowaThe "Walker Homestead" refers to the home built by Samuel Dotson (1858-1931) for Charles Pearsey Walker and his second wife, Sarah Ann (Houseman/Edgar) Walker, finished in 1903. The small village of Newport is a few miles southeast of where the home was. Samuel Nathaniel Walker and his families lived there as well until the 1930s. The house was torn down, probably in the 1960s or at the latest in the 1970s.

Siblings Elsie, George, and Maude WalkerThe girls on this photograph are labeled backwards (i.e. Elsie is on the right, Maude on the left). These were the first three children born to Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" and Harriet Mae "Hattie" (Moyers) Walker. They were Elsie Ella Walker (1894-1992), George Percy Walker (1896-1985), and Maude Mae Walker (1897-1970). The photograph was probably taken in 1898 (as Maude appears to be about a year old), and was taken in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, by Will Dyall. The Dyall name continued into the 1940s or 1950s, at least, as a photography business in Mt. Pleasant. Many of the senior class photographs which are on this site were taken at the C. Herbert Dyall Studio. (Provided courtesy of Connie Gutting.)

The "Walker Homestead"Marge Kimble calls the house in the photograph the "Walker Homestead." It was the home of Charles Pearsey Walker in the 19th century, built in 1903 by Samuel Dotson (1858-1931). It was later the home of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker when Charles moved to a smaller home on his property.

Several of the people in the photograph can be positively identified, and several others inspire some educated guessing.

The woman on the left, with the horse, by all rights should probably be Hattie Mae "Harriet" (Moyers) Walker. But she doesn't look anything like the other photographs of Hattie. At the moment she is an intriguing mystery. The man second from the left is Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker.

The woman sitting in the chair is Everna Ida "Vernie" (Walker) Frizzell. I believe some of the four children are probably hers, and it would seem likely the man sitting with the youngest child is likely her husband, Eli Frizzell. By 1906, which is the date that was written on the back of the photograph, Vernie and Eli six children. Sam and Hattie Walker had seven.

The couple on the right in the back do not seem to match in any sense faces of people who are already identified.

Vashti Annie (Walker/Brewer) Edger and Two Walker GirlsThis photograph seems to have been taken near the home of Charles Pearsey and Sarah Ann "Sally" (Houseman/Edgar) Walker. The two girls standing near the seated Vashti Edger have also apparently appeared in the "Walker Homestead" photograph with Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker and Everna Ida "Vernie" (Walker) Frizzell. I can only guess but think they are possibly Elsie Ella Walker and Maude Mae Walker, or else Maude and sister Zella "Myrtle" Walker.

Another Day at the "Walker Homestead"The shadows ran deep at the time this photograph was taken of what then was the home of the family of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker. A girl, probably a daughter, is seen on the left, but her face is hidden by the fence post, and probably not clear enough, anyway, to identify her. It is not possible to know when this was taken, so I have estimated between 1910-1925.

This house has long since been torn down.

Midway School in about 1911 or 1912Midway School was a one-room schoolhouse near Newport, Iowa (which is presently located on U.S. Highway 61 between Burlington and Muscatine, Iowa, not far from Wapello or Morning Sun, Iowa). Until the Wapello consolidated school district was formed, the children of Samuel Walker all attended Midway School. He was a school officer of the school in 1920.

According to stories I heard from my mother as a child, the Walker children walked from their farmhouse a long distance to the road to catch a ride or else all the way to this school everyday, which indeed could have been dour in times of deep snow and cold winter weather.

Paul Moyers Walker, who was born in 1904, appears to be about 7 or 8 years old in this photograph, dating it to probably about 1911-1912.

Other family members identified are Maude Mae Walker, her future husband, Geoffrey Paul Umphrey, Zella "Myrtle" Walker, Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Walker, and Lorinda Fern "Loie" Umphrey. The teacher of these children was Myrtle Irwin.

Walker Children Under the TreesThese are a number of my maternal aunts and uncles. Although no evidence of a picnic can be seen in the picture, it "feels" like a picnic. It also feels humid. And too hot to be wearing all those clothes.

I don't know if the Walker family owned a camera at this time; Myrtle Walker would seem to be either in this photograph or else taking the picture, considering her age. It's a higher quality print than the snapshots of children Leota and Ruth in the next few years, so it almost feels as though it is a "studio" print.

Paul Moyers Walker is standing with the got on the left, Elsie Ella Walker is sitting to his left, Albert "Ross" Walker is behind Elsie, Maude Mae is then in front, George, the family dog an Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Walker. This photograph was likely taken in the summer of 1912.

1912 Walker Family Photos: The Summer Canoe on the PondThis is a photograph (photo postcard style) I have inherited. My cousin, Virginia Golliher, has the same image and the people in the canoe are identified on hers. Her mother, Myrtle, and my mother, Leota, were both in the picture.

The older woman on the left is Rebecca Ellen (Pence) Moyers. The girl in front of her is Zella "Myrtle" Walker. George Washington Earl Moyers is rowing the canoe. On the right are Hattie Mae "Harriett" (Moyers) Walker, and she is holding the baby (my mother), Hattie "Leota" Walker. My mother was born in March 1912, so this photograph was taken in that summer. Myrtle was 7 or else 8, depending upon the date of the picture.

1912 Walker Family Photos: Charles Pearsey Walker's Second Home Near NewportWhen Sam Walker moved into his father's farm home, Charles P. Walker moved to a second house that was on the property. He lived there with his second wife, Sarah Ann "Sally" (Houseman/Edgar) Walker. In this photograph Sam, his wife and three children are visiting Charles and Sally. It was probably taken the same day as the photograph of the Moyers and Walkers who were in a canoe on a pond at the farm.

Left to right: Hattie Mae (Moyers) Walker, holding Hattie "Leota" Walker, Zella "Myrtle" Walker, Charles Pearsey Walker (standing, porting a beard which is seen in other photographs of this time), Sarah, known as "Aunt Sallie" Walker, sitting in her chair, and father Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker holding the hands of his two youngest sons at the time, Paul Moyers Walker, and Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker (it is unclear which might be which). Marge Kimble kindly provided this photograph.

Standing, left to right in this photograph are: John Franklin Russell, Elsie Ella Walker, Maude Mae Walker, Hattie Mae "Harriett" Walker holding Hattie "Leota," and Flossie Zella Russell. Kneeling on the ground is Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker, holding a son who is probably Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker (age two at the time, and known as "Sammie" when he was young).

1912 Walker Family Photos: Sammie, Myrtle, and Leota WalkerThis photograph from late spring or early summer 1912 is of three Walker children. Sammie (Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker) is the little boy on the left. Myrtle (Zella "Myrtle" Walker) is seated on the chair, barefoot, so it must not have been too chilly of a day. The baby is my mother, Leota Walker (Hattie "Leota"). She had been born in March.

I have a feeling the series of summer 1912 photographs that have surfaced may have been taken on the occasion of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker's 43rd birthday celebration in July.

Walker Women and a Moyers - Three GenerationsThis photograph ports three generations of Walker family women and or three generations of Moyers women, depending upon once reference. Standing in the rear left is Myrtle (Zella "Myrtle"), the baby is her sister, Ruth Rebecca, next is their mother, Harriett (Hattie Mae (Moyers)), with her mother, Rebecca Moyers next to her (Rebecca (Pence)) and Harriett's daughter, Maude (Maude Mae) on the right. Seated is "Aunt Sallie," (Sarah Ann "Sally" (Houseman/Edgar) Walker), the step-mother-in-law of Harriett, the second wife of Charles Pearsey Walker. The little girl in the front was my mother, Leota (Hattie "Leota"), another daughter of Hattie Mae (Moyers) Walker.

Ruth was born in 1915. This photograph was probably taken during the summer of 1916.

Leota and Ruth Walker - Near the Back DoorThere exists another photograph of Leota (Hattie "Leota") and sister Ruth (Ruth Rebecca) Walker with their dog, but this one appears to have been taken on a different day, and after a frolic in the mud. I remember my mother (Leota) looking at this photograph when I was a kid and exclaiming, "Look at how dirty we were!"

Walker Sisters at the Midway SchoolMidway School was the one-room rural schoolhouse attended by many of the Walker family when they were children. In this photograph, sisters Myrtle (Zella "Myrtle"), Leota (Hattie "Leota") and Ruth (Ruth Rebecca) were all posing as part of a group photograph of the young women who were attending the school. It was probably taken in about 1919 or so. Ruth would only have been 3 or 4, Myrtle soon quit attending school after the death of her mother in 1918. Leota would have been about 7.

The Sons of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker in July 1929July 24, 1929, was Sam Walker's 60th birthday, and several photographs are dated as being from that month and year were likely taken at his birthday celebration in Morning Sun, Iowa. The sons are, back row, left to right:

George, Samuel, Paul, Cliff, and Ross Walker; front row, left to right: Bill and John Walker. The ages of these men and boys in this photo are:

George Percy Walker, age 33, married with two children

Albert "Ross" Walker, age 29, married with two boys; his wife Vinnie was pregnant with Lela, who was born September 10.

Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Walker, age 27, married with two children.

Paul Moyers Walker, age 24, married to Cora "Belle" (Hannah) Walker at this time, but they would divorce within about a year.

Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker, age 19; William David "Bill" Walker, age 11; and John Henry Walker, age 5. John was the son of Samuel Nathaniel and Jennie "Reil" (Hannah) Walker. The other men and boy's mother was Hattie Mae "Harriet" (Moyers) Walker.

John Franklin Russell, Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker, William David "Bill" Walker, and Frizzell Family MembersJohn Russell is sitting in the front in this photograph likely taken in about 1930. Bill Walker is standing in the back row, and his father, Sam Walker is slightly behind him. The Frizzell children are too young to be those of Eli and Vernie (Walker) Frizzell (except for the oldest boy in the back row, who possibly could be Charles Frederick Frizzell, born 1913). They apparently are the next generation of the Frizzell family, and are not identified.

Left to right in this photograph are Thomas Clifford "Cliff," Samuel Clinton "Sam," William David "Bill," Samuel Nathaniel "Sam, and George Percy Walker

This snapshot does not appear to have been taken by the same person who took a series of photographs which I believe to have have been taken at the 1939 birthday party/family reunion on the occasion of Sam Walker's 70th birthday; nevertheless it appears it may be from the same reunion, and could have been taken by someone with a second camera (this is based on the kind of developing paper used, etc.).

In 1929 Sam's sons posed for a group photo, and once again they are seen together, along with their father, in this picture. If indeed it is a photo from 1939, it was taken four months after the death of these sons' sister, Ruth. Their brother Ross had died three years earlier.

Assuming these dates to be approximately correct, according to Ruth Walker's obituary, at the time she died her siblings George, Leota, Myrtle, and Clifford were all living in New London, Iowa. Sam Clinton Walker lived in Marion. Sister Maude (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner lived in Winterset. Paul and Bill Walker lived in Morning Sun. (Paul is not in this picture, and whether or not he was living on the family farm is not known; Bill, judging by his age at the time, probably was living at home.) Additionally Sam and Reil's children, Viola, John, Marjorie and Robert were young and still living at home.

Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker and His Sons: Cliff, Sam, Bill, and GeorgeThis snapshot does not appear to have been taken by the same person who took a series of photographs which I believe to have been from the 70th birthday party in 1939 Sam N. Walker. It very well may be from the same reunion and taken by someone with a second camera (this observation is based on the kind of developing paper used, etc.).

In 1929 Sam's sons posed for a group photo, and here once again they are seen together, along with their father. If indeed it is a photo from 1939, it was taken four months after the death of their sister, Ruth Rebecca (Walker) Broeker. Their brother Albert "Ross" Walker had died three years earlier.

Assuming these dates to be approximately correct, according to Ruth Walker's obituary, at the time she died her siblings George, Leota, Myrtle, and Clifford were all living in New London, Iowa. Sam Clinton Walker lived in Marion, Iowa. Sister Maude (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner lived in Winterset. Paul Moyers and William David "Bill" Walker both lived in Morning Sun.

Paul is not in this picture, and whether or not he was living on the family farm is not known;

Additionally Sam N. had children from his second marriage to Jennie "Reil" Hannah: Viola, John, Marjorie and Robert were all still young and living at home.

In the far back on the left is Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Walker, William David "Bill" Walker is to his left. In the front are Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker, father Samuel Nathaniel, and on the right is George Percy Walker.

Several Family Members Round a TreeAnother photograph of what is probably this bench that encircles this fine shade tree exists with a very young Shirley Lea Broeker standing near it. The women in this photograph are, left to right: Flossie Zella Walker talking to Wilda "Marguerite" (Wyerman) Walker, whose back is turned to the camera. In the front are Hattie "Leota" Walker with her sister, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, resting her head on her shoulder.

My educated guess was this photograph was taken in the summer of 1939, at the time of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker's 70th birthday party.

A Four Generation Walker, Fortner, Howey, PhotographIn 1951, probably the summer, this photograph was taken of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker, his daughter, Maude Mae (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner, her daughter, Margretta Mae (Umphrey) Howey, and the newborn Dennis Brien Howey, who is known as "Denny B." The photograph was taken on the side of the house where Sam and Reil Walker lived. Margretta Howey would die in 1953.

Seven Children of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" and Hattie Mae "Harriett" Moyers Walker in About 1965This family reunion was held at my home, the home of Bill and Leota Brumm, as nearly as I can date it in summer 1965. The photograph was taken in the front yard of our house, with Pine Street and the Grinstead and Harper houses somewhat visible in the background. The photograph was taken by Roy Grant Fortner, and the siblings in the yard are, from left to right, Samuel Clinton Walker, Zella "Myrtle" Dotson, Elsie Ella Walker, William David Walker, Maude Mae (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner, Hattie "Leota" (Walker/Krekel) Brumm, and George Percy Walker. I am quite certain this is the last such group photograph my mother, Leota Brumm, was in before her death in November 1967. Of the eleven children of Sam and Hattie (Moyers) Walker, Thomas Clifford "Cliff" lived in Colorado at this time, Albert "Ross" Walker, Paul Moyers Walker, and Ruth Rebecca (Walker) Broeker were dead.

Relaxing on the Front Yard at a Walker Family ReunionThis was another photograph taken during a family reunion at the Bill and Leota Brumm house that was in the summer, probably of 1965. My mother, Hattie "Leota" (Walker/Krekel) Brumm, is cut off on the left, with Jay Brian Lox petting a dog, sitting on the ground in front of her, then left to right were Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, Elsie Ella Walker, Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker, and Elsie's traveling companion, who was in the same religious sect that Elsie was in.

A Walker Family Reunion in 1965A number of other photographs from this particular reunion exist and are posted on the site. Some are in black and white (some of those are pretty blurry, having been taken by me). A few are in color, including this group shot of family members sitting on the front yard of my family home on South Pine Street in New London, Iowa. It was a hot Iowa summer day, with high humidity, typical of the place.

This photograph is of medium quality. Left to right are: Verona Violet (Dotson) Walker, her granddaughter, Connie Jean Brunk, George Percy Walker. The boy standing is Jay Brian Lox, who is right in front of seated William David "Bill" Walker. After the gap, my mother, Hattie "Leota" (Walker/Krekel) Brumm, her sisters, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson and Elsie Ella Walker, their brother, Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker, and the non-family member whose name I don't know, Elsie's traveling companion.

This photograph may have been taken by Roy Fortner; either it was his, mine, or another family member who sent it to my mother.

Antiquity to Modern: 65 GenerationsThis is a document featuring 65 generations of descendants of Godwulf (born circa AD 80) to Dennis Brumm. Through the Fox family genealogy, much of which was provided by researcher Jodie Streit, plus some research I did backing it out from the royal family of England (to which the Fox family is connected, including Norse legends which can never be proven, this is the furthest back my database goes. It is not posted to be taken as "fact" in the earliest of generations/ (Note: this document is in .pdf format.)

Miss Marguerite Wyerman, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wyerman of this community, was united in marriage to Mr. Clifford Walker, at the Methodist parsonage in Wapello on November 29th, the Reverend O. E. McBride officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Walker accompanied the young couple. They will live on a farm near Wapello. Hosts of friends will extend congratulations to these splendid young people.

Wapello Tribune. -- Miss Myrtle Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Walker, and Theodore Dotson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Dotson, were united in marriage on December 2d, at the parsonage of the First M. E. church in this city, the ceremony being performed at high noon by Reverend O. E. McBride. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. John Russell. They will reside in Burlington as Mr. Dotson is employed in the machine shops in that city.

Wapello (IA), August 25. -- The seventh annual reunion of the Davison and Dotson families was held at Chautauqua park in Mediapolis Saturday, with 118 present. The event was featured by a picnic dinner at the noon hour, ice cream and watermelons being served. The afternoon was spent with sports and contests.

Morning Sun Lodge Presents Playlet; Brief News Mention[...]
Mr. and Mrs. T. P. (sic: "R.") Dotson and son and Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Walker of New London came Monday evening to the home of Mr. Dotson and Mrs. Walker's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Dotson, called by the death of their grandmother, Mrs. Mark Dotson, who passed away Sunday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Bailey, south of Newport.

Wapello (IA), August 30. -- The tenth annual reunion of the Dotson-Davison families was held Tuesday, August 28, at the Mediapolis chautauqua grounds, with 86 relatives present. Shortly after the noon hour a short program was given. Prof. Ware Stephens, of St. Louis, was to have given a talk but since he was unable to be present, he sent a very enjoyable paper which was read by Dev. C. E. Coggeshall. Professor Stephens paid tribute to the pioneer familes, the ancestors of those present at the reunion. This paper was followed by a talk by Reverend B. G. Hankins, of Wapello. He too, spoke of the earlier day and of the flood of recollections that each reunion brings.

The program was followed by a business meeting at which time the following officers were elected for the coming years: President, T. A. Dotson; vice president, Harry Dotson; secretary and treasurer, Miss Martha Peters.

Those present from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barns and daughter, Esther, of Burlington; Mr. George B. Hamilton of Chicago, Illinois; Edith Barns, Blair and husband, of Crete, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Dotson, Max, and Virginia, of New London; Verona Dotson Walker and children Maizie and Vera, of New London; Ina Jamison Willson and children, Robert and Mary Louise, of Muscatine, Iowa.

Dotson Family Reunion Held; 86 Are PresentAn article reporting on the tenth annual Dotson-Davison family reunion, held August 28, 1928, in Mediapolis, Iowa. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

ZEPPELIN OVER MORNING SUNHuge Dirigible Skirts Southeast of City -- Schools Are Dismissed

[...] The following from this vicinity attended a dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Walker, near New London Sunday, in honor of Miss Lela Frizelle (sic): Mr. and Mrs. Sam Walker and children, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Walker and children, Mr. and Mrs. George Dotson, and Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Dotson and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Humphrey (sic) and family, of New London, and Mr. and Mrs. John Russel (sic) of Newport.

Sunday guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Walker included Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fortner and granddaughter, Sandra Umphrey, Detroit, Michigan; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Allen and family and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Driscoll, Winterset; Mr. and Mrs. Sam Walker and Jerry and Mr. and Mrs. William William Walker, Gary and Steve all of Marion; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Dotson, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Walker and Doris, and granddaughter, Threasa (sic) Thomas, all of New London; Mr. and Mrs. George Walker, Mrs. Leota Krekel and Bill Brum (sic) all of West Burlington; Mr. and Mrs. John Russell, Wapello; James Walker, Winfield; Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Broeker and Shirley, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Kimble and family and Tom Walker all of Morning Sun.

A Walker Family Dinner in Morning SunA report of an extended dinner at the home of Samuel Nathaniel Walker's residence in Morning Sun, Iowa. It is particularly interesting for me because it indicates my mother and father, Hattie "Leota" (Walker) Krekel and William Lett "Bill" Brumm, were dating by this time. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

When I was a child living in New London, from late in 1952 until about 1955 when they moved to West Burlington, Iowa, Myrtle and Ted lived in the north end of New London off North Pine Street. They were slightly east of North Pine on another road one turned on when nearly out by the railroad tracks (you could hear trains very loudly at their home), nearly out of town. The house was an old two story large house, and probably on a very large (maybe even an acre) lot. (Dennis Brumm)

D. H. Rittenhouse and wife to Zella Myrtle Dotson and husband, property in New London.

Transfer of Deed to Ted and Myrtle Dotson"Deeds Recorded For Properties," a notice that a deed was transferred assigning property in New London, Iowa, to Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" and Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson. They purchased it from D. H. Rittenhouse and his wife. (Published in Mount Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa)

Taking part in a family Christmas dinner and gift exchange Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs, S. N. Walker were Mr. and Mrs. William Walker and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Walker and nephew, all of Marion; Mrs. Ted Belles, Carol and Mark, Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Virden, Mt. Pleasant; Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Walker and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Dotson and Sylvia Dotson; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brumm and Dennis, all of New London; Mr. and Mrs. George Walker, West Burlington, Mr. and Mrs. Arnie Brunk and children, Burlington; Mrs. Bill Lox and Scott Oquawka, Illinois; Mr. and Mrs. John Russell, Wapello; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Smith, Winfield; Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Broeker, Tom Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Kimble and family, all of Morning Sun.

A Christmas Gift Exchange and MealThis article from December 1953 reports on a family meal and gift exchange at the home of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" and Jennie "Reil" (Hannah) Walker, which was on Sunday, December 20, 1953. The following extended family were at this meal:

Deeds Recorded For Town and Rural PropertiesNotice Theodore R. Dotson "and wife," Zella "Myrtle (Walker) Dotson, sold property in New London, Iowa, and transferred the deed for said property to to Walter E. Thomas. (Published in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.)

The 87th Birthday Party for Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" WalkerA newspaper account reporting on the 87th (and final) birthday party for my grandfather, Sam Walker. He died the following year in March 1957. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

A List of Those in Attendance at the Funeral of Samuel Nathaniel WalkerSam Walker had many relatives and friends who attended his funeral. (Courtesy of Marge (Walker) Kimble.) (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore (Ted) Dotson, 209 Cottage Grove Avenue, West Burlington, will observe their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 2, in the American Legion rooms of Memorial auditorium.

All friends and relatives are invited. The couple requests that gifts be omitted.

Theodore Dotson and the former Myrtle Walker were married December 2, 1922. in Wapello. Mr. Dotson has retired from the Burlington Northern railroad shops.

The couple has one daughter, Mrs. Donald (Virginia) Golliher, Jackson, Michigan; and three grandchildren, Jay Lox of Jackson, Michigan, Sylvia Dotson Nelding of California, and Scott Lox of West Burlington.

A Walker Family Reunion in About 1946Based upon the ages of those who are children in this photograph, it was likely taken in about 1946. Several family members helped in its identification (I am a bit unsure about several of them). This photograph was provided courtesy of Carol Ann Kelley. Several persons could not be identified positively due to their placement or the overall quality of the photograph, and one child does not seem to fit at this date with family members, but generally it is correct.

Ted and Myrtle Dotson, Maude Fortner, and Sandy Umphrey at Niagara Falls, New YorkThis photograph, as another in the series, was taken in about 1958 in Niagara Falls. Those pictured, left to right, are: Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, Maude Mae (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner, and Sandra Kay "Sandy" Umphrey. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

The Piano Recital: Dennis William Brumm With His Aunts and UncleI (Dennis Brumm) began piano lessons during the summer of 1957 and continued taking them throughout all my years in New London. My piano teacher after the first summer was Nella Elliott, the wife of G. A. Elliott and daughter-in-law of George Elliott, coincidentally a man for whom my mother worked before I was born.

Each year during my youth we had recitals; in the very early years or maybe only the first year, they were at my teacher's house. Later they were at the Presbyterian Church in New London. This possibly was at the grade school in New London, and if so, I can't remember the specific circumstances of why I was playing there (perhaps it was just a "talent showcase"), but if it is indeed that instance, it is the only time I publicly messed up a piece something terribly - the first movement of Beethoven's Sonata Piano Sonata Pathétique. That happened in junior high school and this looks to me as if I was still a little bit younger.

My uncle, Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson is in the far left of this photograph, and then left to right are Verona Violet (Dotson) Walker, Maude Mae (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner, and Zella "Myrtle" Dotson. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Myrtle and Ted Dotson with Their Daughter, Virginia GolliherThe location of this photograph is uncertain, but it is of Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, her daughter, Virginia Mae (Dotson/Lox) Golliher, and Myrtle's husband, Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson. I would guess this was taken in the late 1960s, it was provided courtesy of Carol Kelley.

Myrtle and Ted Dotson Visiting Bill and Dennis BrummThis photograph was taken about August 1968 in the apartment my father, William Lett "Bill" Brumm and I (Dennis William Brumm) lived in in New London after the death of my mother. My aunts and uncles, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) and Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson had come to visit us one afternoon along with William David "Bill" and Margaret Leora (Lesher) Walker. This was not long after my dad and I had taken a trip south to Texas, where we had visited other Walker relatives.

Myrtle and Ted Dotson with Their Grandson, Jay LoxApparently taken on a trip to Michigan in 1974, this photograph is of Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, Jay Brian Lox, and Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson. Jay is the son of Ted and Myrtle's daughter, Virginia Golliher. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Myrtle and Ted Dotson in West Burlington, IowaThis is a photo of y aunt Myrtle and uncle Ted Dotson, sitting in their living room in their home on Cottage Grove Avenue in West Burlington, Iowa, in 1974. It was provided courtesy of Carol Kelley. (Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) and Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson)

Family Repast ReduxThis photograph was taken at a family event, apparently in the 1980s, and kindly provided by Carol Kelley. On the left are Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, next to her, her husband, Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson. Verona Violet (Dotson) Walker is in the pink dress on the right side.

Family RepastFront left: Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson, next is his sister, Verona Violet (Dotson) Walker, it looks like her husband George is next to her, but only a bit of his head is visible in this photograph. On the right side, far right is Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, and I believe the woman to her right (left on the photograph) is Helen Marie (Collingwood Umphrey). I don't know who the other people are. This was taken in the 1980s.

Donald Leroy "Don" Golliher, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson, and Virginia Mae (Dotson/Lox) GolliherThis photograph was taken on the occasion of Myrtle and Ted Dotson's 60th wedding anniversary. I think it was likely taken in Michigan, where Don and Virginia Golliher reside. Myrtle and Ted were married December 2, 1922, in Wapello, Iowa. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Myrtle and Ted Dotson in about 1985On a trip from San Francisco back to Iowa, I visited with my aunt Myrtle (Zella "Myrtle" Walker) and uncle Ted Dotson (Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson). They had lived in the same house on Cottage Grove in West Burlington, Iowa, since I was three years old. I have a lot of fond memories of them and their residence.

Sitting, left to right: Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, Doris Daisy (Frizzell) Cartwright, and Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson. It looks a bit as though someone may have been obscured behind Sam Walker, next to Wally Broeker.

A Family Reunion in 1988 at the Home of Shirley and Larry Smith (2 of 2)
All the people in this photograph are identified except for one whose face is mostly obscured. This photograph was taken in Wapello, Iowa, at the home of Shirley Lea (Broeker) and Norton Lawrence "Larry" Smith.

Betty and Sam Walker, Myrtle and Ted Dotson, Shirley Smith and Maddie HollingsworthThis photograph was taken in 1988 at a family reunion at the home of Norton Lawrence "Larry" and Shirley Lea (Broeker) Smith. It was kindly provided by Marge Kimble. This picture is of Elizabeth Etta "Betty" (Hatt) Walker, her husband, Samuel Clinton "Sam" Walker, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson behind Sam and her husband, Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson. On the right is Shirley Smith, holding her granddaughter, Madeline Smith "Maddie" Hollingsworth. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Documents

Residences of Maternal Family Members in New London, Iowa During the 20th CenturyI constructed this map of my home town of New London, Iowa, and noted the residences where various family members connected to the maternal Walker family lived during my lifetime in the town. I since have determined the location of another family earlier on, Geoffrey Paul and Maude Mae (Walker) Umphrey, who were living in New London for a few years before Geoffrey's death in 1931. Using census data from the 1930 federal census, I believe it was six houses directly north of our family's home on South Pine Street (also on South Pine).

There were other family members, more distantly connected, living in town during the years I was there, but I was not completely aware of these connections at the time I undertook this exercise.

Two Popular Young Couples of the Community MarriedThe marriage announcement for both Zella "Myrtle" Walker to Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson; and of Thomas Clifford "Cliff" Walker to Wilda "Marguerite" Wyerman. Myrtle and Ted were married December 2, 1922, at the parsonage of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Wapello, Iowa. Cliff and Marguerite were married November 29, 1922, at the same parsonage and church.

Obituaries, Deaths, Funerals

The Death Notice of Martha E. (Bier) DotsonMartha died near Newport, Iowa, March 20, 1927. Granddaughter Verona Violet (Dotson) Walker and husband George, and grandson Theodorore Roosevelt "T. R." Dotson and wife Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, were called to the home of Gertrude D. (Dotson) Bailey, where Martha died.

The Funeral Report from Margretta Mae (Umphrey) Howey's FuneralThose who attended Margretta's funeral came from Detroit, Michigan, Marion, Fort Madison, West Burlington, Wapello, and New London, Iowa, and Oquawka, Illinois. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Myrtle Dotson - Photo Booth PhotosZella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson has a slightly serious look in these 1950s photograph of her. I knew Myrtle as "Auntie" when I was a very little kid. It was more than a term of relationship for me, it was definitely what I considered to be her nickname. Myrtle's first name, Zella, which she didn't use, was likely named after her aunt, Flossie Zella Russell. These two photographs were probably from a "dime store" photo booth, or some such similar place.

A Family Reunion, Probably Between 1950/53 (1 of 3)This reunion was evidently in the autumn or spring, as evidenced by the coats everyone is wearing. Many of the unknown people in this photograph are probably from the Frizzell family. If so, this reunion was one that was periodically held in Ottumwa, Iowa, considered halfway between the Osceola area where they lived and the Morning Sun area where many of the Walker family lived. If before 1951, the woman between Flossie Russell and Sam Walker was probably their sister, Everna Frizzell (the #9 person). Other photographs of her wearing a similar hat (that obscures her face, unfortunately) do exist.

A second photograph, nearly identical to this one, exists as well and is posted on this site. Additionally a third photograph, side view, of women at the reunion, exists and is posted.

A Family Reunion, Probably Between 1950/53 (2 of 3)This photograph is nearly identical to another photograph from this reunion, probably it was taken only moments after or before the first one that has been up online for a number of years. Known people are identified on it, please check it for who is who. Many people at this reunion are presently not identified. Lots of them are probably Frizzell family members.

Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson in New LondonMyrtle Dotson, and her husband Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Dotson, lived in New London Iowa for a number of years from the 1920s until about 1955 when they moved to West Burlington, Iowa. Their home was on North Pine Street, nearly at the north edge of town. I have some fairly distant memories of it, as I stayed with Myrtle frequently when my mother worked at the town's glove factory.

Women of the Extended Walker Family at Crapo ParkThis photograph is of many family members sitting on the gun emplacement in Crapo Park in Burlington, Iowa. Since the installation of these guns, which are very near the river and facing Illinois, not once has the Illinois militia invaded Burlington or southeast Iowa.

Myrtle Dotson, Marge and Trev Kimble, and Vera VirdenThis photograph, likely taken at a family reunion in the early 1980s, is of assorted members of the extended Walker families of Samuel Nathaniel "Sam" Walker and his two wives. Going from left to right, the woman who is turned away from the camera is Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson (1930-1990), next is her half-sister, Marjorie Naomi "Marge" (Walker) Kimble and her husband, Trevor Motzart "Trev" Kimble Sr. (1926-1996). On the right is Myrtle and Marge's niece, Vera Marie "Jakey" (Walker) Virden. The photograph was provided courtesy of Carol Ann Kelley. I assume this photograph was taken in Morning Sun, Iowa. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Documents

A Postcard on November 1, 1958 (back)From Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson on vacation, written in Green River, Wyoming, and mailed in Denver, Colorado, to Dennis William Brumm in New London, Iowa. The message is: Hi, on our way home. Plan to be at Mazie's Sunday. The weather is fine. We are at Green River, Wyoming, and it is midnight. 'Auntie'" (My nickname for Myrtle when I was little was "Auntie.) (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

A Postcard on November 1, 1958 (front)From Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson to Dennis William Brumm. There was no message on the card, but a group of six native Americans dressed in traditional clothing. The back of the card states they are Pueblo Indians and the card was produced in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Happy BirthdayThis recording was made in September 1965, on the occasion of my 13th birthday party at our home in New London, Iowa, using a moderately inexpensive reel-to-reel tape recorder which I believe was my birthday present that year. It was not on the highest grade of tape and was not transferred to the digital medium until many years later, therefore the sound quality, though enhanced, is still not good.

Voices in this file are my prepubesent voice (Dennis William Brumm) and my aunt Myrtle (Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson) singing a little bit of Happy Birthday. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Let Me Call You SweetheartThis recording was made in September 1965, on the occasion of my 13th birthday party at our home in New London, Iowa, using a moderately inexpensive reel-to-reel tape recorder which I believe was my birthday present that year. It was not on the highest grade of tape and was not transferred to the digital medium until many years later, therefore the sound quality, though enhanced, is still not good.

Relatives and a friend and I singing the end of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," a piece of sheet music in the house, the evening of the birthday party. Those whom I remember who were present and singing were Maude Mae (Walker/Umphrey) and Roy Grant Fortner, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, and my mother, Hattie "Leota" (Walker/Krekel) Brumm. I don't believe Ted Dotson or my dad participated in the sing-a-long. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Myrtle Dotson Sings in SwedishThis recording was made in September 1965, on the occasion of my 13th birthday party at our home in New London, Iowa, using a moderately inexpensive reel-to-reel tape recorder which I believe was my birthday present that year. It was not on the highest grade of tape and was not transferred to the digital medium until many years later, therefore the sound quality, though enhanced, is still not good.

After baiting my relatives to try to get them to talk, and they were all trying to be quiet because I was recording them, my Aunt Myrtle Dotson (Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson) broke into an old Swedish song, which I'd never heard, and which was interesting, as she was not of Swedish origin. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

Row, Row, Row, Your BoatThis recording was made in September 1965, on the occasion of my 13th birthday party at our home in New London, Iowa, using a moderately inexpensive reel-to-reel tape recorder which I believe was my birthday present that year. It was not on the highest grade of tape and was not transferred to the digital medium until many years later, therefore the sound quality, though enhanced, is still not good.

Silent NightThis recording was made in September 1965, on the occasion of my 13th birthday party at our home in New London, Iowa, using a moderately inexpensive reel-to-reel tape recorder which I believe was my birthday present that year. It was not on the highest grade of tape and was not transferred to the digital medium until many years later, therefore the sound quality, though enhanced, is still not good.

The same cast as in other recordings of the day: Maude Mae (Walker/Umphrey) Fortner, Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson, Hattie "Leota" (Walker/Krekel) Brumm, and Roy Grant Fortner.

Local Happenings: Myrtle Dotson and Virginia Lox in Mount PleasantA report mentioning that Zella "Myrtle" (Walker) Dotson and her daughter, Virginia Mae (Dotson) Lox, were seen shopping in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. (At least one living or private individual is linked to this item - Details withheld.)

[S154] Walker, Albert "Ross" - Obituaries, (one obituary was published in a Louisa County, Iowa paper, probably The Wapello Republican; the second was from The Hawk-Eye Gazette; Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; they were published circa May 17-18, 1936).

[S154] Walker, Albert "Ross" - Obituaries, (one obituary was published in a Louisa County, Iowa paper, probably The Wapello Republican; the second was from The Hawk-Eye Gazette; Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa; they were published circa May 17-18, 1936) (Reliability: 4).